Australian Capital Territory
Utilities (Technical Regulation) (Electricity Transmission Supply Code) Approval 2016 (No 1)
Disallowable instrument DI2016–189
made under the  
Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014, section 14 (Technical Codes––approval)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Background 
This Code is a technical code under part 3 of the Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014 (the Act). The Act provides a technical regulatory framework for regulated utilities in the Australian Capital Territory. Section 14 of the Act authorises the Minister to approve a technical code recommended by the technical regulator under section 13 of the Act. 
Approval 
This Disallowable Instrument is the Utilities (Technical Regulation) (Electricity Transmission Supply Code) Approval 2016 (No 1) and approves the Electricity Transmission Supply Code provided in the schedule to the instrument. 
Purpose of the Code
The Electricity Transmission Supply Code (the Code) requires electricity transmission utilities to: 
(1)	plan, design, construct, test, commission, maintain, operate and manage an electricity transmission network and connection points that provide electricity supply to their customers; 
(2)	meet the supply demand and protect the reliability and integrity of the transmission network and associated infrastructure; and
(3)	ensure the safe management of the electricity transmission network minimising  injury to any person or damage to property and the environment.

Outline
This Code applies to TransGrid and ActewAGL Distribution as licensed electricity transmission utilities under part 3 of the Utilities Act 2000. In the case that TransGrid or ActewAGL Distribution transfers its licence to another entity, and the transfer of the licence is approved by the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission under the Utilities Act 2000, this Code applies to the successor of the licence as a licensed electricity transmission utility.
TransGrid was granted an electricity transmission utility licence on 24 February 2015 by the Utilities (Grant of Licence) Notice 2015 (No 1) NI 2015-87. Schedule 1 of the Notice provides additional licence conditions that required TransGrid to provide two or more geographically separate transmission connection points by 2020. Currently the ACT has only a single connection to the electricity grid. The additional licence conditions expired on 31 August 2015. However the conditions are still relevant to TransGrid as a licensed utility and were incorporated into this Code. 
The Code also includes other requirements such as setting up electricity network safety management system, safety operating procedures, and safety rules.   
Consultation
In accordance with section 13 of the Act, the technical regulator consulted the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission and the relevant regulated utilities, TransGrid and ActewAGL Distribution, in creating this Code. 
Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS)
A Regulatory Impact Statement has been provided for this disallowable instrument.